The project: The Independence School District is building a new elementary school in the western Independence/Sugar Creek area.

Completion date: July 2013

Location: 709 North Forest, which is on the southeast corner of North Forest Street and Silver Lane in Sugar Creek

The details: Voters approved an $85 million bond issue in 2009 to fund a variety of projects, including two new elementary schools. Little Blue Elementary opened in August 2012 and the school in the western Independence/Sugar Creek area will open this summer. The goal of both of these buildings is to relieve overcrowding at the elementary schools in the school district. The new facility in western Independence will specifically help Korte, Three Trails and Sugar Creek elementary schools. Once the school is open, enrollment will be divided between Sugar Creek Elementary and the new western elementary school.

Students in kindergarten, first and second grades will attend Sugar Creek Elementary, and students in third through fifth grades will attend the new facility.

The progress: One of the most exciting notes is the announcement of the name - Abraham Mallinson Elementary. An early pioneer in Eastern Jackson County, Mallinson was known as a strong advocate for public education. He actually purchased the property the school sits on back in 1867, so John Mallinson knew that his grandfather would agree that it was the right spot to put a school.

“He knew the value of education, particularly for women,” said the longtime Sugar Creek resident. “In those days, a women having a profession was rare, but he made sure that each of his children, including four daughters, received a quality education.”

When John Mallinson agreed to sell the land to the school district, it was with the stipulation that the school would be named after Abraham Mallinson.

The school itself has come a long way in the last few months. Bob Robinson, director of facilities for the Independence School District, said about 85 percent of the exterior brick work is completed, and work is beginning on the classrooms. In addition, the parking lot to the north of the building has been poured, curbs have been added and the electricity and natural gas have both been installed.

“We are excited to see the progress,” he said. “The crews are moving at a remarkable pace.”